Interview with Kotoko's Coach

Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s coach Ralph Zumdick says his players are up for Sunday’s Africa Cup Winners Cup final against Wydad Casablanca. Kotoko lost the first leg 0-1 and must win by two clear goals to lift the trophy. It’s a game that means the world to Kotoko.

Twice African champions in 1970 and 1983, Kotoko has struggled since to make an impact at the highest level of the African game. As Zumdick told Luv FM’s Christopher Opoku in the following exclusive interview, he and his players are fully aware of the game’s implications for the club

Chris: What’s the mood of your players ahead of the crucial game?

Zumdick: With just one week before a final match, everybody is a little bit nervous. We have some small problems with injuries but I am hopeful because our team doctor is doing well. I am happy about Michael Osei (Kotoko’s leading scorer in Africa). He complained of pains but I am sure everything would be well. I am not happy about Nana Arhin Duah because he has a slight problem with his feet sustained outside training. But I am focused for the match. Everybody is serious and we really want to do well.

Chris: You took over the team just before the second leg of the quarterfinal game against El-Mehala. How has the team developed since in your estimation?

Zumdick: It was difficult in Mahala because Egyptian teams are very good, as you know. There is pressure in the team to do well but I am happy with the way the team tries to come back into a game when they go down, they always want to score a goal. It’s been great so far and more so because now we are in the final.

Chris: Your colleague on the Wydad side, Oscar Fullone has been doing a lot of talking ahead of this game. He says for instance that Kotoko’s path to the final was easy as compared to WAC’s.

Zumdick: Let Fullone talk. Its just talk, talk, talk. We want to play football. On the field on December 8 when the heat is high and when we have the full stadium behind us as well as play good football, we would pay him back for his words. That’s as much as I can say.

Chris: On a Personal note, how has working in Ghana been like for you a German?

Zumdick: It’s a little bit different but still interesting. Coming into the final is exciting. I see a lot of spirit in this team, in the town and I like it. I want to win not only for myself but also for the players, for the club, fans and for Kotoko. I have a feeling Kotoko is in their hearts so it’s a big duty for us to win. We would do a fine job on December 8 and bring the cup here.